Lutheran X's Blog » Scripture

Introduction to the New Testament

Rosemary — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 06:19:45 +0000

So which book is next? I’ve started off reading a Letter of Paul, so perhaps I should jump in by reading through all the letters of Paul. On the other hand, it seems odd to start exploring the letters without reading at least one of the Gospel accounts first.

I’m officially turning to my “Introduction to the New Testament” (of The New Oxford Annotated Bible – NRSV) for guidance.

Seems there are 4 types of books in the New Testament:

Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John)
Church History (Acts)
Letters
Apocalpse (Revelation)

Was it my mother or Martin Luther who said that Revelation should be paid attention in accordance with its placement in the Scripture, i.e. last (if one ever gets to it at all)? How absolutely hilarious that I do not know offhand.

In a way the Letters appeal to me – partially because they’re short, but also partially because they give advice for people about how to be Christians. But it seems out of place to read those letters without first reading the history of Acts and without at least touching base with one of the Gospels.

Hmm…

Ah, here’s a thought!

As I’m paging through the very text-heavy 7 pages of the “Introduction to the New Testament,” it seems to me that the best place to start would actually be by reading this introduction, such that I’m actually paying attention to what it says. I’m only skimming it right now, hoping to chance across the right useful information. And there’s a whole lot in here.

So next up in my Bible study is the “Introduction to the New Testament.”

Bible Study – Philippians

Rosemary — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 19:19:33 +0000

I think I’d like to use this blog to actually look at some biblical texts in depth, and see what sense I can make of it for my life today. A bit of a Bible study, which is an important part of any Christian exploration. I once heard it said that if you want Christianity in a nutshell, read Philippians. Seems as good a place as any to start.

Role of Scripture

Rosemary — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 19:00:39 +0000

I was raised as a Lutheran – ELCA. (Those are the liberal Lutherans, for anyone who doesn’t know.) I take the Bible seriously, but not literally. I see it primarily as a collection of historical texts – written in specific times for specific peoples, oral traditions turned into texts.

But this collection of texts is still sacred to me. These are the texts I go to when I wrestle with questions. These are the texts I try to make sense of when questions arise. Christianity is the language I use when I speak about my faith. The Biblical texts are the tools that I use to find a deeper understanding of God. One of many tools, at any rate.